I have had several people tell me over the years that they know more than pastoring than I do, but somehow none of them have ever pastored. We had a so-called prophet come to one of our churches and prophesy over me that God had called him to be my pastor and I should pay him double what I pay myself for him to pray for me daily and tell me what to do. I said if you know that much, go do it – go plant a church.
Guess what he did – guess what they all do – he tried to start a little Bible study in the church, get people to come and gather around him, even asked them to give him money. He wanted to be a teacher, but not a leader, he wanted a group but not responsibliry.
Paul said to the Ephesian elders and pastors that people would turn up in their churches and try and draw away disciples to themselves. So it shouldn’t surprise us when it happens! It’s in the Bible. Even this week, someone who left the church offended over a year ago, was contacting people in our church and trying to persuade them to leave. Why are they still concerned? Because they are immature and foolish. Why haven’t they joined another church? Because they cannot. Why haven’t – if they are so holy and so glorious and so anointed –
People like that need to be removed from the church or repent. Their inability to respect and honour leadership will infect the rest of the church. A small group should be a road into the church, with an elder or leader who is sanctioned and submissive to church leaders. These unofficial, unsanctioned groups are cul-de-sacs – dead ends that have no life and nowhere for people to go, and are being used by a tiny person who is trying to manipulate a ministry through sneakiness rather than stewardship. These are not people you as a pastor can afford to be influencing people in your church.
Selah.
Inspiring and Challenging Dreamers 